I need to bite my tongue…but I have a lot to say – Reece James’ personal trainer is rattling over Chelsea’s recent injury

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REECE JAMES’ PERSONAL TRAINER CLAIMED HE HAD “a lot to say” after he injured his leg upon returning to action last night.

James, 23, missed the World Cup finals after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Chelsea in October.

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Reece James appeared to aggravate a knee injury against Bournemouth Credit: Richard Pelham/The Sun

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James, 23, works out with fitness trainer James Ralph Credit: INSTAGRAM/JR_AthletesEdge

The full-back felt he could have played a starring role, but was left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad.

He was back in action yesterday, after starting in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

His comeback lasted only 53 minutes, however, when he had to be substituted for Cesar Azpilicueta after he appeared to aggravate his knee.

James’ personal trainer, James Ralph, who was in attendance at the match, quickly took to Instagram to express his frustration with the situation in a now-deleted story.

He posted a plain black photo, with three frustrated emojis on it.

Ralph also wrote: “I want to bite my tongue even though there is so much to say…”

The coach has worked with James for about 18 months, describing him as a “hugely dominant athlete” with an “exemplary work ethic”.

He has also worked with James’ Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek – as well as with former youth and first-team friend Fikayo Tomori.

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James Ralph posted this message to his Insta story: INSTAGRAM /JR_AthletesEdge

Asked about the defender’s injury after the game, coach Graham Potter expressed his frustration.

Asked how bad it would be, he replied: “Very soon, obviously it’s the same area, so we’re worried. We’ll have to wait for the next 24-48 hours.”

“There was a kind of cut and he felt something there. We’ll have to see the extent of that.”

“Right now we’re just at a point where we hope it’s not that bad and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

“The plan wasn’t for him to play 90 tonight. He would play 60-65 minutes which was an increase from what he did before.

“He’s frustrated, of course, right now. We just have to hope it’s not as bad as it was, and he can recover faster.”

Asked about James’ importance to his plans, Potter said: “Rhys is a world-class player. You can see him from the outside, but you won’t realize how great he is until you work with him.”

“He’s an incredible player. He would fit in any team in the world. He could play in any team in the world, so any team would miss him.”

When he missed England’s World Cup squad last month, James said: “It’s shattered. The moment I hurt my knee, I knew getting around the World Cup was going to be tight, but I always felt it was possible.

“I’ve worked harder than I thought I could to give myself the best chance to go and really believe I can help the team.

“I appreciate that there are risks on both sides but it was one I was willing to take.”

James took to social media on Wednesday, describing 2022 as his “toughest year yet” after the latest setback.

He wrote: “2022 has been the hardest year yet. I just want to thank you all for the support, none of you go unnoticed.

“I’m naturally affected mentally, currently I’m just trying to deal with the cards I’ve been dealt.

“May the end of the year be filled with peace, joy and happiness.”

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Graham Potter devastated to lose James Credit: Reuters

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